SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil is finding protection in a decades-old buffer against shocks that is both cheap and environmentally friendly as global oil markets tremble amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Tens of millions of Brazilian drivers have a choice at the pump: fill up with 100% sugarcane-based ethanol or a gasoline blend that contains 30% of biofuel. Brazil’s massive “flex-fuel” fleet, which are vehicles capable of running on any mix of ethanol and gasoline, is unique in its scale. It is the result of a landmark military dictatorship program launched in 1975, transformed into success during democratic times to reduce foreign oil dependency. By Mauricio Savarese, Associated Press This article was originally published on Mongabay

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